A newborn infant, or neonate, is a child under 28 days of age. During these first 28 days of life, the child is at the highest risk of dying. Approximately 75% of all newborn deaths occur during the first week of life, and up to 45% occur within the first 24 hours.
In the African Region, 1.12 million newborn deaths occur annually. The main causes include prematurity and low-birth-weight, infections, lack of oxygen at birth, and birth trauma. These causes account for nearly 80% of the deaths in this age group.
Many newborns that are born prematurely are more susceptible to infections such as HIV. Preventative antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help prevent otherwise high transmission rates.
Nearly half of all newborns do not receive skilled care during and immediately after birth and up to two thirds of deaths can be prevented. Early initiation of breastfeeding—within one hour of birth—can protect the newborn from acquiring infections and significantly reduces infant mortality.
Of the 11 countries with preterm birth rates of over 15%, all but two are in the Region. Half of the Region’s newborn deaths occur in just five countries – Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda.